THE CHILD AND FAMILY INSTITUTE OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY AT GREAT HOLLOW WILDERNESS SCHOOL THE UNDER DEVELOPED GEM OF NEW FAIRFIELD AND SHERMAN CONNECTICUT
May 14, 2015
THE CHILD AND FAMILY
INSTITUTE OF FAIRFIELD COUNTYAT GREAT HOLLOW WILDERNESS SCHOOL
THE UNDER DEVELOPED GEM OF NEW FAIRFIELD AND SHERMAN CONNECTICUT
Healing Children Strengthening Families and Inspiring our Community
THE CHILD AND FAMILY INSTITUTE
OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
THE MISSION of the Child and Family Institute of Fairfield County (CFI) is to provide comprehensive
and effective mental health services that change the lives of children, adolescents, and their families.
The Child and Family Institute of Fairfield County visions a community where children’s futures are not compromised by their differences. CFI believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve his/her potential; and this value system is defined within its programs and organizational structure.
MISSION AND VISION
CFI’s primary goal is to provide clinical intervention that will support lifestyle choices and behavior changes that will strengthen and empower children and their families.
Our Comprehensive Approach includes working with the child as well as the family, school, and community agency resulting in sustainable and abiding positive change in the child’s life.
GOALS
Clinical and Psychiatric Evaluations Prior to the start of treatment, an extensive evaluation is completed on every
individual. This in-depth assessment ensures that a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can be made to guarantee effective treatment.
Individual, Group and Family Therapy The center provides psycho-educational and therapeutic groups. Groups are
designed to provide participants healthy coping and life skills. The focus is to develop skills to effectively manage anger and emotions, resolve conflicts, improve social relationships, and family functioning.
Parent Management Training Program This ten week course provides parents and caregivers with an understanding of
their child’s disorders and behaviors and teaches effective parenting skills, communication, problem solving techniques, and enhances family unity.
Liaison and Advocacy Services CFI provides liaison and advocacy services to school systems, community
agencies, and daycare facilities to ensure that clients are receiving the appropriate educational services and care.
We provide services to approximately 450 individuals annually
SERVICES
Mental illness among children and adolescents has reached epidemic
proportions, and is now considered to be the leading cause of disability in children.
5,ooo,ooo children and adolescents in the country
suffer from a serious mental health disorder that causes significant
impairment in functioning at home, school, and with
peers
STATEMENT OF NEED
5 million children and adolescents in the U.S. suffer from a serious mental illness such as
Symptoms can include frequent outbursts of anger, irritability, hyperactivity, excessive worries and fears, sadness, impulsivity, isolation, and hopelessness. These symptoms often interfere with a child’s ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with friends and family, perform well in school, and develop a good sense of themselves and their abilities.
eating disorders
pervasive development
disorders
anxiety disorders
learning disorders
tic disorders
mood disorders
CHILDREN NEED OUR HELP
If left un-treated, these youth are at a greater risk for developing maladaptive behaviors including bullying, aggression, self harm, and are likely to develop more serious mental health problems. Even more seriously, youth with mental health problems are most likely to experience school failure, substance abuse
issues and possible suicide.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 – 24 year olds and the sixth leading cause of death for 5 – 15 year olds
•Despite the many mental health services that are available to children and their families the number of children experiencing mental health challenges is increasing and the impact on their lives is devastating. Unfortunately, many children don’t respond well to traditional types of therapy. Their age, lack of insight, lack of commitment, denial, and stigma are all barriers to successful treatment Wilderness Therapy provides challenging experiences in a supportive educational format so participants will develop inner strength, character and resolve.
GREAT HOLLOW
WILDERNESS SCHOOL
In the late 1960s, a 1,440
acre wildlife preserve in
New Fairfield was willed
to Wesleyan University by
Walter Gordon Merritt.
The land was named Great
Hollow and in 1969, a
wilderness program for
disadvantaged youth was
developed. This once
1,440 acre wildlife
preserve, now at 890
acres, was eventually sold
to the Regional YMCA of
Western Connecticut.
CFI held the Intensive
Summer Therapeutic
Program for children and
youth with emotional,
behavioral, and social
disorders from 1997 to
2011, when the YMCA
decided to sell the
property.
WILDERNESS THERAPY
Wilderness Therapy,
also known as Nature
Therapy, has been
instrumental in
creating significant
change in children’s
lives
It can be a life changing
and emotional healing
experience for
children, adolescents
and adults who are not
being reached by
traditional therapeutic
techniques
Acquiring Great
Hollow will enhance
CFI’s therapeutic
services by
incorporating nature
as a powerful source
of learning and
healing.
This innovative
approach will enhance
the lives of a greater
number of individuals
who otherwise may
not receive the
services they need.
Program Components
Therapeutic: Fosters improved communication, anger management, conflict resolution, social skills, and emotional health
Academics: Experiential Activities that improve academic functioning and enhance a positive attitude toward learning
Adventure Challenge: Hiking, rock climbing, caving, canoeing, and high ropes courses. These structured activities are designed to build confidence, trust, teamwork, and improve motivation for achievement
Cultural Enrichment: Dance, music, art therapy and drama provide participants healthy outlets for expressing emotions, fostering creativity and increasing self-esteem
Youth Leadership: Enhances leadership qualities, self advocacy, problem solving and decision making skills
B.O.O.S.TBUILDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS TO
THRIVE
THE CHILD &FAMILY
INSTUTUTE OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY….
We have seen
individuals
transformed by their
experience in the
B.O.O.S.T. Program
at Great Hollow.
The design of the
BOOST Program will
serve as a blueprint
for designing other
programs that
address issues such
as childhood
obesity, bullying,
substance abuse,
and autism.
The Peaceful Warrior: Powerful experiential program for children and adolescents who have issues with bullying
Harvest to Health: Experiential, skill building program for children and adolescents with the diagnosis of obesity
Second Chance: Cognitive behavioral wilderness program for adolescents with substance abuse issues
B.O.O.S.T. II: Intensive Therapeutic Program for children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum
THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS
GREAT HOLLOW
The experience of
being immersed in
an environment
different from
one’s everyday
world, coupled
with a strong
emphasis on
process and on
self-expression
leads to active
learning, which
makes an
impression on
people in powerful
and lasting ways …
EXPANSION OF EXISTING GREAT HOLLOW PROGRAMS
Provide Wilderness School Activities and Environmental Education Programs to an increased number of public and private
schools
Provide Summer Camp Programs to an increased
number of children
Provide College Orientation Programs to an increased number of colleges and
universities
DEVELOPMENT of “RECCONECT TO NATURE” PROGRAMS
Open Great Hollow to the public so everyone can enjoy hiking
and nature exploration
Provide Nature Excursions for individuals and families that
include kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and caving
The Great Hollow Environmental Center will provide educational
courses and programs to individuals of all ages
Being immersed in an environment different from one’s everyday world promotes self
examination and personal growth
BECOME A MEMBER OF OUR COMMITTED INVESTORS GROUP
WHO ARE DEDICATED TO PRESERVING THIS UNDER DEVELOPED GEM IN NEW FAIRFIELD AND SHERMAN
CONNECTICUT; AND MAINTAINING THE HEALTH AND
WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY
WE NEED YOUR HELP
The marketing plan will consist of the following components:
MARKETING PLAN
•A situation analysis•A positioning strategy•Reasonable, measurable and achievable objectives•Marketing goals that are likewise reasonable, measurable and achievable•Development of action steps and activities that match marketing opportunities with our own strengths and weaknesses
THE CHILD AND FAMILY INSTITUTE OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MEDICAL DIRECTO
R
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
GREAT HOLLOW PROGRAM DIRECTOR
PROGRAM ADMINISTRAT
OR
DIRECTOR OF
DEVELOPMENT
CC
C
C
C
ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
OFFICE MANAGE
R
WILDERNESS STAFF
BOOK KEEPER
ASSISTANT